Recording and reproducing apparatus



Jan. 25, 1944. J. J. SHIVELY EI'AL RECORDING AND REPRODfiCING APPARATUS,

9 Sheets-Sheet 1 I INVENTORS domv d. Smvgu Filed March 18, 1941 01 I I ,lIIIIIlll'lIIII/I MRRY'RKMIDE'VENTER ATTORNEYS RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed March 18, 194i 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 'II/IIIIIIIIIII' INVENTORS doH/v J 5HIVELY HARRY/P. VANUEVENTER ATTORNEYS,

Jan. 25, 1944. J. J. SHNELY ETAL RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS "Filed March 18, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 25,1944. J. J. SHlVELY ETAL 0,

RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed March 18, 1941 9. Sheets-Sheet e FIG: /9

INVENTORS damvdSmvar BYMRRYRMNUEVIWER V I ATTORNEYS- 1944/ J. J. SHIVELY Er'AL 2,340,147

RECdRDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed larch 18, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORS domv d. 8H! I/ELY HARRYR. VANUEVENTER ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 25, 1944 mcco'lmmd AND anrnonncrn APPARATUS;

John J. Shively and Harry R. Van Deventer, New York, N. Y., assignors, by mesne assignmenl si, to Telephone Answering and Recording Corporation, New York. N- Y., a corporation'of Dela- ,ware

Application March s, 1941, Serial No. 383,904

24 Claims.

The present invention pertains to improvements in recording and reproducing apparatus.

Our co-pending application Serial Number 383,268 flied May 4, 1940, now Patent 2,261,420, dated November 4, 1941, discloses and claims apparatus for answering, recording and reproducing telephone conversations. The present invention includes new and improved structures for use-in the above and other types of recording and reproducing services.

An object of the invention is to provide improved means for recording on blank record discs.

A further object is to provide means of the above type adapted to record on a plurality of turntables in the same plane.

Another object is to provide improved feeding means for the recording head.

Another object is to provide recording and reproducing apparatus including a plurality of turntables in the same plane, a single recorder head and a single reproducer head, both heads being cooperative with all turntables.

Another object isto provide improved control means for the recording and reproducing means.

A further object is to provide telephone answering and recording apparatus including the above and other disclosed improvements.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear during the course of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a longitudinal partial sectional view of a telephone answering and recording device embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a detail vertical section illustrating the means for positioning the telephone hand-set;

Figure 3 is a top view of the device, Figure 1, showing the apparatus in normal recording position;

Figure 4 is a front view of the detector with the cover removed;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of the same, taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a top view similar to Figure 3 but showing the apparatus positioned for recording talk-out or answering speeches;

' Figure 'l is a detail top view of the recorder arm;

Figure 8 is a longitudinal view of the same partly in section along the lines 8-8, Figure 7,

showing the recorder in engaged position with the record;

- Figure 9 is a similar view in disengaged positi I Figure 10 is a bottom view of the recorder arm and head;

Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view on the lines H--ll,Flgure 8;

Figure 12 is a similar view on the lines 12-12, Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a plan view of the feeding -mech-' anism; a

Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the same on the lines 14-14, Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a cross sectional view on the lines l5-l5, Figure 18; Figure 16 is a detail view of the spring-pressed jack-shaft bearing;

Figure '17 is an enlarged iragmental detail view of a feeding fork and spring;

Figure 18 is another view of the feed fork;

Figure 19 is a detail view of the cutter or re cording head and automatic lifter therefor in lifted position;

Figure 20 is a similar view in lowered position;

Figure 21 is a-vertical detail view of the interlocking guard means and limit switch;

Figure '22 is a view of the same in the plane 22-42, Figure 19;

Figure 23 is a fragmental view of the guard ring and latch in released position;

Figure 24 is a similar view in latched position;

Figure 25 a front view, partially in section,

. of the answering turntable drive and control unit;

Figure 26 is a sectionaI view of the same on the lines 126 -26, Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a detail rear view of the reproducer control apparatus;

Figure 28 is a timing dia am of the answerin and recording cycle, and

Figure 29 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus. Referring to Figure 1, the numeral 40 indicates a base to which is secured an inclined front plate 4|. A main top plate 42 is secured at the front to lugs 43 on the front plate 4| and at the rear to suitable posts 44 mountedon the base 48. A lid 45 is hinged at 46 to the rear of the tan plate 42.

plate 4-2 as shownand 61.

Recording unit Referring to Figures 13, 14 and 15, the record-"- ing unit 48 has a body or frame in which is vertically joumalled the shaft 52 carrying the turntable 50. A worm 53 on the shaft 52 is in mesh with"'a""wo'r'iri' gear 54 mounted on a horizontal jackshaft 55 freely journalled in a bushing 56 in the frame 5|, the bushing 56 also being backed by a set screw 63 as showniin detail in Figures 15 and 16. By this means the worm 51 is resiliently pressed into complete mesh with the worm-gear 58, eliminating any possibl back lash or lost motion between these members and providing for automatic take-up of any wear which may occur during the life of the machine.

The bushing 56 is sufficiently free toprevent any cramping of the shaft 55 due to the above automatic take-up. The worm 51 and gear 59 are lubricated with a suitably adherent grease, and due to the low speeds of these parts and the light load transmitted thereby as hereinafter, set forth, the friction load caused by the pressure meshing of the worm and gear is so small as to be negligible. The frame or body 5| forms a casing about the first worm gear 54, providing a reservoir 64 to hold lubricant for this gear, its worm 53 and the shaft 52. A spring-pressed sealing washer 65, Figure 13, prevents escape of lubricant from the reservoir 64. Th spring 65a which presses the washer 65 reacts against a thrust washer 65b on the shaft 55, thus maintaining the latter under thrust in one direction at all times. and thereby eliminating possible endwise back-lash or lost motion of the Jack-shaft. Y

The upper end of the feed hub 59 is formed annularly with external and internal tapers 69 A hollow swivel shaft 68 is rotatably mounted in the stationary sleeve 69. A swivel head 69, shown in detail in Figures 8, 9 and 10, is secured to the top of th shaft 68, and includes a rearward extension 10; Horizontally pivoted at II to the extension I0 is a cutter arm 12 having a straight portion 19 and an angularly directed forward portion". A recording head or cutter "is mounted'in the forward arm portion 14 so as to have limited floating motion upward and down ward. This floating mounting of the cutter 15 may be by any suitable means, illustrated herein as shown in, Figures 10, 19 and by a knife-edge member 16 held in engagement with a V-bracket 11 by a strong tension spring 18. The rear end of the spring 18 is adjustableupward or 'downward on a screw 19, thus. providing anadjustable counterbalance fora portion of the weight of the cutter l5 and thereby allowing for adjustment ofthe depth of recording cut.

The cutter is is provided with the usual stylus 89. A plate 8| serves to limit the possible downward swing of the cutter l5 and supports the latter when the arm is raised to disengaged position.

The circular or hub portion 82 of the cutter arm I2 has closely slidable therein a pair of small vertical plungers 93, shown in enlarged detail in 85 urge the plungers 83 downward, the downward possible motion being limited by heads 86 engaging shoulders 8'! in the arm portion 82. Transverse slots 88 in the lower ends of the plun ers 88 have closely fitted therein flat forks 89, the latter being retained and allowed limited transverse floating motion by pins 99.

The forks 89 overlie the annular top of the feed hub 59, the internal tapers 9! of the forks corresponding substantially to the external and internal hub tapers 66 and 61. When the arm 12 is tipped upward in idle position, as shown in lowered into horizontal position on the swivel head 69 as shown in Figures 8 and 11, the forks 89,

pressed by the springs backed by the weight of 22a arm, engage and wedge on the tapers 66 and It is evident that whenever th turntable shaft 52 is rotated, the feed hub 59 is also rotated at greatly reduced speed through the previously described compound worm-gear train. Therefore, when the arm 12 i lowered to bring the stylus 88 into engagement with a record blank 92, and the hub 59 is revolved as noted, the forks 89 gripping the tapers 66 and 61 cause the arm '12 to be swung at the same rotative speed as the hub, thus feeding the stylus across the record,

Due-to the steepness of the tapers 66 and 61,

the weight of the arm 12 and strength of springs 84, the grip of the forks 89 on the hub 59 pro-- vides a substantially rigid connection therewith,

case of recorders employing lead screws or the like. It is also evident that the structure is adapted to permit the cutter to be fed at any desired sector throughout the entire 360 of swing of the swivel shaft 68. This permits the single cutter i to be operated in conjunction with a plurality of turntables in the same plane, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6 by turntables 59 and 49 in the present embodiment.

In Figure 6 the apparatus is illustrated as located to record throughout a zone KB on the record blank 92 on table 58, while in Figure 6 the cutter is swung to record throughout a zone C-D on a blank 98 on the table 49, the axis E of the feed mechanism being equidistant from the axes of both turntables.

, While, as previously pointed out, the feed hub 59 and forks 88 are adapted to engage and cause feeding at any horizontal angle, in each particular case it is desirable to restrict such engagement to the particular zones wherein recording is to be made, represente'd in the present embodiment by the zones K-B and 0-D. For this purpose, the following provision is made:

A cylindrical guard or ring 94, shot. n in Figures 8, 9, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23 and 24, is secured to the main plate 42 and surrounds the feed hub 59; The ring 94 has an annular top surface provided with an outer upwardly extending rim 96 which isinterrupted by cut-out notches 91 and 98 as shown I most clearly in Figures 21 and 22.

A cross pin 99 in the arm 12, Figures 8, 9 and 10,

Figures 17 and 18. Springs 84 backed by screws 7 has rockablymounted thereon a trigger lever I98 and C-D.

upward through a slotlfll in the sti'aightpo'rtion 1a ofthearm. 'lhebottomofthe trigger I comprises 9.8111811 latch "I. A tension spring I03 urges the trigger I30 clockwise so that whenthe arm I2 israisedasinFigure8thelatch I02 normally rests on the annular guard surface 95, as shown in Figures 9 and 24, thus preventing the arm from falling.

Stops I04 on the swivel head 69 are adapted to engage hubs I 05 on the trigger I00, thus preventing the arm I2 from being raised high enough to bring the latch I02 above the rim 99.

When the latch I02 is in upper position, ther e.

fore, as shown in Figures 9 and 24, it may ridearound the surface 95 and allow the arm II! to be swung to any position, but the rim 96 prevents the latch I02 from being swung outward except whenthe latter is in registry with notch 91 or 3 4mm 'auit Bei'erringtol 'lgures25and36,the emu-o1 unit" 4lhasavorticalshaftlllcarryingthe turntable 49, whichin the prcsentembodiment is ofsmaller diameter than the turntable 30 as shown in FIgures1,3and6.-Asecondmotor II5,similar-in speedto motorII3, isadapted torim drivethe turntable 49 and shaft 4 through a. floating roller Hi, this motor being shown in phantom outline in Figure 1 in order to more clearly dis-l close themechanism behind it. Theroller 3 has a resilient tire, I" of comparatively large diameter engaging-a pulley I13 on the motor notch 98. When in such registry, the latch may be swung'outward as shown in Figures 8 and 23., allowing the arm I2 to be lowered to bring'the sgylus 90- into eng gement with the record blank, 9

The notches 91 and 93 thus define the zones of recording within which the stylus 80 may be lowered on the record blanks, namely zones K-B W The arm I4 must be raised in order to swing the recorderthrough or into any otheripositions, and in such other positions the latch I92 cannot be released.

The above provision prevents injury to the records, stylus or cutter by careless lowering of the latter in improper positions. Furthermore, when the arm I2 is raised after recording, the spring I03 instantly snaps-the latch into position on the surface 95, preventing the cutter stylus from being violently dropped on the record if the arm is accidentally released.

ReferringtoFigure2'2Jtwillbeseenthatthe point of the'latch I02 is. wedge-shaped. A radial groove I06 is provided in the surface 95 adjacent the counter-clockwise end of the notch 91, the notch 98 being provided with a similar groove I01.

When it'is desired to set the device for recordingonafreshrecordblank92,thearml2isswung until the wedge point of the latch I02 engages the groove I 03, which thereby positions the arm with the stylus 80 above the outer boundary K'of the zone K B. Releasing the latch thereupon brings the stylus into engagement with the record on the line K, from which boundary the cutter is then fed inward as recording proceeds. Similarly the groove III'I automatically 'deflnes the starting position of the arm I2 for recording in the zone 7 operator in either case.

shaft H9, and a second resilient tire 420 "of smaller diameteren a ing the periphery of the turntable 49. The drive through the roller I13 from the motor "5 to the turntable 49 thus effects a speed reduction which causes the small turntable 49 to be driven at substantially the same speed as the large turntable 50.

' A transverse cam shaft I2I is adapted to be driven at reduced speed from the turntable shaft .Ii4-through suitable worm gearing disposed in a casing 4111. j A-hub I22, secured to the cam shaft I2 I carries cams I23 and I24, and a third cam I25 is formed .on the flange of the hub I22 itself. A pair of horizontal levers I26 and I21, pivoted on a pin I83, engage cams I24 and I25 respectively. The

above noted cams and levers are further illustrated in Figure 1, and their operations and functions will be hereinafter explained.

A second hub I23 is secured to the opposite a portion of the shaft HI, and carries four switch hereinafter referred to as the indicator cam. A

short tappet I39, secured to a hub I40 pivoted on a stationary pin I 4|, engages the cam I33. A curved. arm I42, secured to the hub I40. terminatesin a pointer I43 adapted to cooperate with .an arcuate scale I44 secured to the front plate 4|. The cam I30 is so shaped that during a cer- A small lever I03, Figures 21, 22 and 6, is pivoted to the plate '42 under the turntable 50 and has an upward extension I09 imderlying the groove 91 adjacent theclockwise end thereof. An adjustable screw "0 in the lever I08 engages the resilient arm III of a normally closed'limit switch I12 of any suitable type, herein illustrated, as the known commercially as a microswitch.-

.When the recorder stylus 30 approaches the inner boundary B" of the zone K-B, the latch I02'-en g es the lever extension I09, swinging the lever I03 and opening the switch I I2. The connections of the limit switch will be set forth hereafter in the explanation: of the wiring diagram, Figure 29.

no skill or careful setting being required of tain portion of its revolution, as set forth hereinafter in connection with the timing diagram, Figure 28, it swings the tappet I39 and arm I42 clockwise atu'niform speed, causing the pointer I43 to travel up the scale I44 and indicate-time intervals thereon, the time graduations of the scale I44 being illustrated in Figures 3 and 6.

An angular lever member I45 pivoted at I49 to the in has a toe-I41 eng ing the cam m A motor II3, Figure I, is providedto drive the turntable 50 and shaft 52 through any suitable rim-drive mechanism; such mechanisms being we]! known'in the art and therefore requiring no ,furtherdescriptionherein.

adjacent the switch I35, toe also being illustrated in Figure 29. A resilient arm I48, attached to the lower end of the member I45, carries a clapper I49 normally overhanging a gong bar I50 of resounding metal, the latterbeing resilient- 1y mounted-on a housing III to which is also attached aloud speaker I52. When the cam I32 allows the toe I41 to drop, the clapper I49 strikes the gong-bar- I50 and rebounds therefrom, thus sounding a signal note for purposes hereinafter set forth. An opening. I53 may be provided in the housing 'IIiI to facilitate entry of the signal note to the interior thereof.

' Reproducing apparatus Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 6, a reproducer arm I54 is mounted on the usual swivel I55 secured to the main top plate 42, the arm carrying Journalled therein a small shaft I66, the latter carrying a small eccentric I6I serving as a pivot for the arm I58, Figure 2'7. A knurled knob I62 is secured onthe end of the shaft I66, a spring friction washer I63 being provided between the hub of knob I62 and the support I59.

Anupward extension I64 is formed on the arm I58. A dust shield or guard plate I65 is secured above the main top plate 42 just below the upper level of the turntables 49 and 56. 'The shield I65 is broken away in Figures 3 and 6 to show the shifter mechanism, but it will be understood that of the latter only the extension I64 and the top of knob I62 protrude upward through suitable slots in the shield, as shown in Figures 1 and 27. A foot I66 on the lever I58 engages the top of a vertically slidable pin I61 urged downward by a spring I61 against the lever I26. When. the cam I24 revolves, Figure 1, causing the lever I26 to rise and fall, the latter acts through the pin I61 to raise the shifter arm I58 to upper position or allow it to fall to lower position, as illustrated in Figure 2'7.

' The top of the extension I64 contains a wide inclined notch I68. The reproducer arm I54 is provided with a small longitudinal roller 169 adapted toengage the notch I68. When the arm I58 is in upper position, as shown in dotted and dashed lines, Figure 27, and in Figure 1, the arm I54 is elevated to hold the pick-up needle I51 clear of the record 93, the roller I69 resting by gravity in the lowest point" of the notch I68. When the arm I56 is lowered, thepick-up needle, guided by the roller in the bottom of the notch I68, is lowered into engagement with the recordings at the outer or starting boundary C of the zone C-.'D on record 93. The exact line of this engagement may be adjusted for any desired purpose, as hereinafter set forth, by turning the knob I62, thus moving' the eccentric pivot IN and shifting the entire arm I58 inward or outward.

While the reproducer is traversing the recorded zone on the record 98, swinging to the right in the process, the roller I69 moves across and clear of the notch I88. At the completion of reproduction, when the arm I58 is again raised, the inclined side of the notch engages the roller I69 and raises the reproducer from the record, the roller then rolling down again to the bottom of the notch to restore the arm I54 to starting position by gravity. 7

r A second notch I16 is provided in the top of extension I64 to receive and retain the roller- I59 when the reproducer is swung clear of the tumtable49 during recording-on the latter, a position illustrated in Figure 6.

Telephone control apparatus 1Referring to Figure 1, a forked lever "I is piv- 2,261,420, dated November 4, 1941.

oted on a pin I12 which is supported in the walls I18 01' an opening I14 in the front plate M. The lever I1I carries a roller I15 and is urged upward by a spring I16, the roller I 15 engaging the cam I28 and normally resting in a notch I11 therein.

A second forked lever I18, also pivoted on the pin I12, is allowed limited swinging motion by a stop pin I19 secured in the front plate 41 and provided with a resilient bumper I86.

The second lever I18 and the cam lever "I are adapted to be operatively connected by a magnetic latch of the general type and purpose set forth in the previously noted U. S. Patent No.

In the present embodiment-the magnetic latch comprises an electro-magnet I8I secured to the lower end of the-cam lever HI and cooperative with an armature I82. The armature I82 is horizontally pivoted to a lower rail I84 and has a short extension or detent I83 extending below the rail. A light spring I85 normally holds the armature I82 against the magnet I8I. pivoted at I81 to the lower end of the second lever I18. A light spring I88 presses the end of the finger I86 against the bottom of the rail I84 and also serves to urge the lever- I18 forward-that is, clockwise in Figure 1.

A phone control arm I 89, pivoted on the pin I12 and extending outward from the opening I14, has a weighted end portion I96 adapted to rest upon the normally depress the cradle switch I9I of a telephone instrument I92, the latter instrument being properly placed in front of the front plate M. A downwardly extending lug I98 on the arm I89 has threaded therethrough a'screw I94 engaging the second lever I18, and the weight V 45 ing the lever HI and latch assembly clockwise.

The fin r I66 is engaged by the detent I88, causing the second lever I18 also to swing forward and the latter, acting through the screw I94, elevates the arm I89 to release the phone switch I9I as illustrated in dot-and-dash line,

Figure 1.

When the magnet I8I is de-energlzed, either by failure ofcurrent or when approaching completion of the machines cycle as hereinafter set 65 forth, the armature I82 is released, the weight of the control arm I 89 acting through the finger I88 to force the detent I66 counter-clockwise. The finger I88 thus over-rides the detent I88 and allows the arm I89 to drop and again depress the phone switch I9 I may be adjusted to various heights of telephone instrument.

When not in use, the control arm I89 may be swungupward partially into a pocket I65 in the front plate 4 I, a button I96 and snap socket member I91 being provided to retain the arm-in idle or completely raised position.

A latch finger I86 is "cure a cover 228 on the casing. The

Cutter control apparatus Adjacent the pick-up lift pin I81 previously described, Figures 1 and 3, is a second vertically slidable pin I98 shown in detail in Figures 19 and 20. The lower forked end I89 of the pin I88 straddles and engages the end of the cam lever the lever I21 and pin I88 to drop to and occupy a lower position.

When the recorder arm I12 is swung into position for recording on the small blank' 83 on tumtable 49, as illustrated in Figure 6, and the arm I2 is lowered by tripping the trigger I88, the top of pin I98 engages the cutter head I5 as shown in Figure 19, thus holding the stylus 88 clear of the blank 93. During the previouslymentioned portion of the cycle, when the pin I88 is lowered to the position shown in Figure 20, the cutter head I5 is also lowered, allowing the stylus v88 to engage the blank 83 and effect recordings thereon. At the conclusion of recording, the pin I98 and cutter I5 are again raised to initial position, Figure 19. The exact timing and purpose of these provisions will be set forth fully in the explanation of the machines general operation in conjunction with the timing diagram, Figure 28.

Ring detector mechanism In the previously noted U. S. Patent No. 2,261,420, a starting detector was disclosed which is operable by mechanical vibration of a telephone bell box, a wall type. box being illustrated. In

' spring281, and the front end of the arm 286 carries a button 288, preferably of insulating material, engaging the bottom of the bell-box 282. The vertical arm 288 of the bell-crank 284 has secured thereto a detector 2-I8,-shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5.

Referring toFigures 4 and 5, the detector. 2I8

and 2I8. thus causing a-serles of breaks in the normally closed detector 7 machine as hereafter explained.

Acoustic connections Referring to Figures 1 and-2, the front plate 4| has formedthereon'or secured thereto a casing 22I in which is resiliently molmted a for-'- wardly directed microphone 222. A resilient liner 223 in the casing 22I terminates at the front in a lip 224 adapted to resiliently support the receiver 225 of the telephone handset 226, the latter being connected in the usual manner with the instrument I82.

The lower casing I5I, carrying the loud speaker I52 and previously referred to in connection with It is evident that when the telephone is in op-' eration, speech from the receiver 225 is picked up directly by the microphone 222, while sounds emanating from the speaker I52 are projected directly into the transmitter 221. Adjustable stops 238 terminating in pads 23I, Figures 1, 3 and 6, may be provided to assist in properly locating the telephone I92 with respect to the front plate 4| and arm I 88.

' Referring to Figures 3 and 6, the front plate 4I has secured thereto a pilot light 238, a manually operable volume control or potentiometer 28I, a six pole triple throw manual switch 232, a

manual turn-oil switch 233, andv a momentary-- I contact push-button switch 234. As these devices are of standard construction well known in the art, their electrical parts need be shown herein comprises a cup-shaped insulating casing 2II in which are securely held two vertical strip electrodes 212 and an. A small triangle 2I4, sus-- pended from a ring 2I5, has a weighted cross bar 2 I5 normally engaging the electrodes 2 I2 and 2 I 8 so as to maintain an electrical connection between 'them.-Flexible conductors 2H and 2I8 lead from the electrodes 2I-2 and 2I8 through the wall of the casing 2,- these conductors being- 'via the button 288 and bell-crank 284 to the The resulting horizontal vibrations of the casing cause the swinging bar'2I6 to,

casing 2| I.

"dance" on and away from the electrodes H2 tobe connected to a suitable source of current,

only diagrammaticallyin Figure 29. A second potentiometer 235 and a third potentiometer or variable resistor 236 are operable from above the shield plate I65, Figures 3 and 6.

* Electrical apparatus and wiring As stated above, the switch 232 is a six-pole, triple throw type-that is, the switch has six simultaneously movable arms each adapted-to engage contacts in three separate positions. To promote clarity and avoid undue multiplicity of numbers, the six stages of this switch are generally designated respectively on the diagram, Figure29, by the numerals 231', 238, 239, 248,

2 and 242, applied to the-switch arms, each having nthreecontacts R, Aand P. The lefthand contacts R of all stages represent those engaged by the contact arms when the switch 232 is manually set for straight recording. The contacts A are engaged when the device is set forautomatic operation, while the P contacts are engaged when the device is set for playback of previously made recordings.

Further referring to Figure 29, the numerals 243 and 244 indicate feed conductors adapted.

the latter in the present case being assumed as the usual volts A. C. The conductor 244 is connected to the manual tum-off switch 233, from which a conductor 245 leads to the one terminal of normally closed limit switch 2. 'The other terminal of switch 233 is connected to four contact arms 246, 247, 248 and 249 of a relay 258, hereinafter termed the main relay. The

arms 246 to 248 are respectively adapted to I engage normally open contact points 25I, 282,

253 and 254, while the arm 249 normally ensues circuit which start the ondary 263.

243 are normally charged, the transformer 262 V .232, a branch 258 also connecting conductor 251 .to the arm 239. It is evident that through the described connections, when the main switch 233 is closed, the main relay arms 246 to 249, theconductor 251, and the manual switch arms 239 and 249 all normally carry the potential of line conductor 244.

'Leads 259 and 269, respectively, connect the conductors 251 and 243 to the primary coil 26I of a transformer 262 having a low-voltage sec- Since both conductors 251 and is normally energized.

One side of the secondary 263 is connected via.

a lead 264 to the magnet 265 of a detector relay 268, the other terminal of the magnet being normally connected via a lead 281, the flexible cenductor 2I8, the detector electrode 2| 3, the bar thus normally remains lighted.

closed contacts 292 and 293, alsov arms 294 and 295 adapted respectively to engage normally open contacts 291 and 298. A spring 296 normally .holds the relay arms in the position shown.

The control motor II5 has a connection on one side via a lead 299 to the supply conductor 243. On the other side, the motor H5 has two connections, one via a wire 399 to the main relay contact 253; the other via wire 39I to one terminal of the normally open cam switch I33.

the second terminal of switch I33 being connected via a lead 392 to the conductor 251.

I The motor 3', also connected on one side via lead 393 to the supply conductor 243, similarly has two sets of connections from its opposite terminal, one via a wire 394 to one terminal of v the cam switch I36 and: from the second switch The detector relay 266 has a contact arm 269 The thermal delay relay 214 has a bimetallic. conducting arm 216 adapted when heated to engage a contact point 211 connected via a lead L213 with the switch am 239 and thence via the "branch 258-to the conductor 251. The heater coil 213, bimetallic arm 218 and contact point 211 are preferably enclosed in an evacuated or gas-filled tube 214, Figure 1.

' The bimetallic arm 218 is connected via a wire 1219 to the manual switch arm 238, thence via "a conductor 289 to the normallyopen contact point 254 of the main relay 259. The push- 4 button switch 234 is cross-connected between the contact point 211 and the wire 219. i The contact point A: of the manual switch arm 238 is connected via a conductor 28I with the latch magnet I8I, the latter having a second lead 232 connected to the supply conductor 23. From the conductor 23I, a connection is provided via a wire 283 to the normally closed cam switch I34, through the latter and via a "jumper 284 to one terminal of the normally open cam switch I and via a branch lead 235 to the "magnet 286 of the main relay 259.

- From the second terminal of the cam switch I35 0. lead 261 is run to one terminal of the magnet 239 of a relay 289, hereinafter referred to as the electronic circuit relay. The second terminal of magnet .288 is connected to the main supply conductor 243. The relay 289 has arms 299 and 29I respectively engaging normally terminal via wire 995 to the conductor 299; the second connection is via a branch'396 to the normally disengaged contacts R3 and P3 of themanual switch arm 239.

The numeral 391 generally denotes a suitable amplifier having main current supply leads 396 and 399 and heater or filament supply leads 3I9 and 3I I, the latter connected to the low voltage secondary 263 of the transformer 262. The main current lead 398 is connected to thesupply conductor 243, while the second lead 399 is connected to the contact point 252 of main relay 259. From thelead 399 a branch 3I2 is connected to the normally disengaged contacts R4 and P4 of manual switch arm 249.

The amplifier 391 may be of any suitable type such as that shown in detail in previously mentioned U. S. Patent No. 2,261,420, and since the internal parts and connections of such amplifiers per se form no part of the present invention, these details need not be further described herein. The amplifier 391, as in the case of the-above referred to patent, has a main output lead 3I3, a main input lead 3 I 4, and includes an extra stage of amplif cation for the microphone 222, this stage being provided with auxiliary exterior in put and output leads 3I5 and 3| 6 respectively.

The main output lead 3I3 is connected to the arms 299 and 294 of the relay 289, while the main input lead 2 I4 is similarly connected to the relay arms 29-I and 295. 4

The auxiliary input lead 3I5 of course is connected to the microphone 222, while the corresponding auxiliary output lead 3I6 has twoconnections, one to the normally disengaged contact R5 of manual switch arm 2, and the other via a branch 311 to the normally open contact point 298 of relay 289.

The pick-up or reproducer I56 also has two connections, one via the potentiometer 23I and a lead 3I8 to the normally disengaged contact.

The arm 24I is connected by a suitable conductor 329 to the normally closed contact point 293 of 7 relay 288.

The manual switch arm 2521s connected viaa conductor'32l to the normally closed contact 292 of the relay 289. Both contacts As and Pa of the arm 242 are connected via a wire 322 with the loud-speaker I52, while the contact Rs has a connecting wire 323 to the recorder or cutter head 15. The cutter 15 has a second lead 324 connected to the normally open relay contact point 291.

By examining the above described connection, it will be seen that when the manual switch 232 acacia-z and the relay 289 de-energized as shown, thedevice is positioned to direct input from the pickup I 56 via the second potentiometer 235, the lead 3I9, contact A5 and arm 24!, the conductor 329, the contact point 293, relay arm 29I and main input lead 314 to the amplifier 391. At the same time output current is directed from the amplifier via the main output'lead 3I3,' relay arm 299, contact point 292-, conductor 32l, manual switch arm 242, corresponding contact As and lead 322 to the speaker I52. 7

When the relay 289 is energized, the described input circuit from the pick-up I56 is broken at relay contact 293, and the main input lead 3I4 is connected via the relay arm 295, point 299 and conductor 3" with the auxiliary or microphone stage output lead 3 I6. At the same time the arm 299 disengages the contact point 292, thereby breaking the described output to the-speaker I52, while an output connection from lead 313 is cstablished via the relay am 294, contact point 291 and conductor 324 to the cutter 15.

To briefly summarize the above, when the manual switch is set in central or A position, the apparatus is normally set for reproduction, the pick-up I56 being connected to the input 3I4 and the speaker I52 to the output 3I3, while the mithe relay arm 29 I, contact point 293, conductor 329, manual switch arm 24I and contact point R5 to the microphone stage output lead 3l6, while the pick-up input connection is broken at As. At the same time thecutter is connected via lead 323, contact point Ra, arm 242, conductor 32L contact point 292 and arm 299 to the output lead 3I3, while the previously described connection is broken at As.

When the switch 232, including arms 24I and 242, is thrown to the right into P or playback position, the reproducing connections are the same as those described for normal automatic or A position except that the speaker I52 de-- rives its current via the arm 242 through contact P6 instead of As, while the pick-up connection to thearm 24I passes through the first potentiometer 23I, lead 3I8 and contact P5 instead of second potentiometer 235, lead 3I9 and contact A5. The purpose of providing the two potentiometers 23I and 235 is to allow independent volume control of the automatic or answering reproduction and the manually controlled playback reproduction.

Starting circuit operation Y It has been previously set forth how the magnet 265 of detector relay 266 is normally enersized by low voltage current from the transformer secondary 263, the detector 2I9 being included in the described closed circuit. When the telephone I 92 rings, the vibrations of the crank 294 to the detector.2l9, and cause the bar 2; to vibrate away from the electrodes 2| 2 and H6, thus breaking the described circuit through the magnet 265.v The magnet 265, being operative position.

,de-energized, allows the spring 21I.to draw the am 269 into contact with the point 212.

A circuit is thereby established from the supply conductor 251 through the wires 269 and 219, the am 269 and contact point 212 to the heater coil 213, thence through variable resistor 236,

wire 215, back contact 255 and main'relay arm 249 to the normally charged conductor 251. The current passing through the heater coil 213 heats the latter, the heat being transmitted to the .bimetallic arm 216 and causing the latter to bend toward the contact point 211. Continued ringing or successive rings of the telephone bell cause cumulative heating and increased bending of the bimetallic arm 216 until the latter engages the contact point 211.

The described e agement closes a circuit from the charged conductor 251 via wires 258 and 219,

the contact point 211, the bimetallic arm 216, the wire 219, the manual switch arm 239 and its contact A2, the conductors 28I and 283, the closed cam switch I34, the jumper 284 and the branch lead 285 to the main relay magnet 286, thence via a wire 325 to the supply conductor 243. The magnet 286 being energized, the relay 259 is actuated, all its arms being thrown to The arm 249 engages thecontact point 255, thereby closing a second connection from charged conductor 251 via arm SJ-point 254,- and conductor 289 to the manual switch arm 238, then through the previously traced path to the relay magnet 286. The last described circuit thus constitutes a holding circuit adapted to keep thev magnet 296 energized after the initial contact in thermal relay 214 has broken. This latter contact is broken shortly after the relay 259 is actuated, since when the arm 249 moves into en- 1 either to R (straight recording) or P (playback) gagement with pointa254' it disengages the back contact 255, thus breaking the described circuit of heater coil HI and allowing the bimetallic arm 216 to return tonormal position clear of its 4 contact point 211.

It will be evident that the latch magnet I8I is also energized by the initial contact and is also maintained energized so long as the described holding circuit persists.

When it is desired to start the device through its automatic cycle independently of the teleposition, the described connections to the magnet 286 and latch I6.I are broken between the arm 238 and its contact Az,-'so that during straight recording or playback neither the main relay 259 nor the latch magnet I BI can be energized.-

bell-box 292 are'transmitted through the bell- It will further be noted that a branch wire 326 is connected from the detector ma net lead 261 to the.contacts R1 and P1 of manual switch M0, the closed low voltage circuit being maimindependently of the detector 2I0.

strike the song bar, Figure 26, and sound a tained through the detector relay magnet 235 During the straight recording-or playback, the

above described provisions .make it impossible for the machine to be started through its automatic cycle either by ringing of the telephone or by accidental closure of the push-button switch 234.

Automatic cycle circuits When the main relay 250 has been actuated by the starting circuit as described above, 010- sure of the arm 241 on the contact point 252 completes a main current connection from the conductor 245 via the limit switch II2, the arm 241, the point 252 and lead 309 to the amplifier 301, and as the latter is already connected via lead 308 with the second supply conductor 243, the amplifier 301 is energized.

Similarly, closure of relay arm 248 on contact 253 directs current from conor 205 via the lead 300 to the 'motorJ I5, the latters circuit being completed via lead 299 to'the supply conductor 243.

The motor II5 revolves the turntable 49 and cam shaft I2I and with the latter the various previously described cams. Immediately after starting, as shown in the timing diagram, Figure 28, the cam I29 closes the'switch I33, thus completing a connection via wine 302, switch I33 and lead 30I to the motor H5, this connection being parallel to the previously described connection through the main relay 250. It will be seen from the contour of the cam I29, that once the switch I33 has'been closed it is held closed until the cam I29 completes its revolution. This assures a supply circuit to the motor I I5 independently of the relay 250. I

In case of a failure of current supply during the automatic operation 01' the device, the relay 250 drops out, the latch magnet I8I releases its armature I82 to allow the control arm I89 to .drop and "hang up the telephone, and, of

course, the motor I I5 stops part-way through the cycle. Upon restoration of supply current, the relay 250 normally-remains de-energized so that no current is directed therethrough to the latch magnet IBI, the amplifier 301 or the motor II5. However, due to the fact that the-switch I33 is closed, the'latter supplies current to motor 5 through the above described parallel connections,

. causing the motor to complete the rotation oi the cams, thus resetting the device to normal starting position as shown.

It will be understood that the above running ofthe motor I I5 for resetting occurs only following an interruption of current. During a normal cyclic operation, the main relay 250 remains closed until just before the end of the cycle, when the cam I30 allows the switch I34 to open momentarily, thus breaking the previously described holdlngcircuit to the magnet 283 and causing the main relay to drop out.

signal.

Immediately following the signal, the cam I 3| allows the switch I to close. It has already been shown that the Jumper 284 throughout the cycle is charged with the potential of supply conductor 245 via the holding circuit of main relay I 250. Closure oi switch I35, therefore, directs current from jumper 284 via'wire 281 to the magnet 288 of the electronic control relay 289, thence to the second supply conductor 243. The relay 289 is actuated, disconnecting the pick-up I56 and speaker I52 while connecting the cutter 15 and microphone 222 in the manner previously described. The relay 289 remains energized to maintain the apparatus in recording connection until the switch I34 opens near the end of the cycle as set forth above. As the cycle ends, the switches I35 and I35 are again opened by their respective cams I3I and I32.

Recording talk-rout or answering speech In order to prepare a talk-out record, the operator swings the phone control arm I89 up into the position shown in Figure 6, remove the handset 226 from the housings HI and I5I and places it in its usual position on the cradle switch I9I.

The pick-up arm I54 is moved to the notch I10 .in arm I58, Figure 27, the reproducer being thus held clear of the turntable 49 as illustrated in Figure 6. A record blank 93 is placed on the table 49, the recorder arm 12 is swung until'the latch I02 enters the notch I01, Figure21, and the trigger I00 is pulled, allowing the forks 89 to engage the feed hub 59 as previously set forth.

The recorder arm 12 is thereby located as shown in Figure 6 in feeding engagement, the pin I93, Figure 19, holding the cutter head 15 elevated so thatthe stylus 80 is poised above the boundary theiend of this period, the cam switches I33and I35'close, as previously explained, starting the recorder motor II3 and actuating the relay 289.

The device is thereby electrically conditioned for recording and the recorder feed begins. Next the pin I98 lowers the cutter head 15 under control of the cam I25 and lever I21, Figures 1 and 20, to place the stylus 80 on the blank 93, where it starts cutting its spiral groove.

After a few leading or idle grooves have bee' cut, the indicator I43 starts upward, whereupon the operator speaks his desired answering message into the microphone housing 22 I, timing his speech by the progress of the indicator up the At a point prior to the half-way time of the normal cycle, as shown by the timing diagram, Figure 28, the cam I32 allows the switch I33 to close. directing line current from the relay arm 249 via contact point 254, conductor 280, wire 305, switch I38 and wire 304 to the recorder motor H3, thence via lead 303 to thesupply conductor 243. The motor II3 starts, driving the turntable 50 and the previously described feed mechanism. Immediately after the closure of switch I38, the cam I32 allows the signal lever toe I41 to drop, thus causing the clapper I49 to scale I 44 and preferably ending substantially at the top of the indicators travel. A typical speech .may be as follows: Mr. Blank is not in his ofilce, but this automatic recorder will take any short message you may wish to leave and will repeat it to him when he returns. Give your name and telephone number if you wish to be called back. Start your message when you hear the. gong s1g-.

nal."

By cooperation of the microphone 22, amplifier 301 and the cutter 15 in the usual mannerrthe spoken message is recorded in the zone CD on record 83. After'the completion of the talk-out the turn-table 40, and replaces the reproducer arm I54 with its roller I69 in the control -notch I 68, Figure 27. If he wishes he may again push the button-switch 234 t intiate a cycle for testing his recorded speech. During the answering period, the pick-up I56 having been lowered-by arm I58 into registry with the recorded zone 0-D, the recorded speech is reproduced through the speaker I52. If desirable the initial registry of the needle I51 with the zone C-D may be adjusted by, means of the knob I62 as previously explained. Also the loudness of the talk-out speech may be-adjusted by means of the potentiometer 235.

The reason for the provision of the cutter control pin I98, Figures 19 and 20, appears during examination of the above talk-out recording procedure. The recording occurs on the small record 93 on turn-table 49, but the feed of the cutter head 15 is furnished through the described mechanism operated by recording motor H3. The turn-table 49, driven by motor I I5, revolves throughout the entire cycle, but the motor II3 runs only during the recording iperiod, Figure 28. Therefore, if the stylus 80- were placed in engagement with blank 93 initially, it would cut the,

latter without feeding during the first part of the cycle, resulting in injury to both stylus and record. With the present arrangement, the pin I98 pre-. vents suchinjury by keeping the cutter elevated until after the motor'II3 and consequently the feed has started.

Automatic message recording The talk-out message having been recorded on record 93 as set forth above, the operator places a record blank 92 on the table 50, Swings the recorder arm 12 until'the latch I02 drops in the notch I06, Figure 21, and trips the trigger I00 to lower the arm 12 into feeding position as previously explained, the stylus 80 engaging the starting boundary K of the recording zone K-B. He next places the hand-set 226 with the receiver' 225 and transmitter 221 respectively in the housings HI and I5I, andlowers the control arm I89 so that its Weighted end portion I90 depresses the cradle switch I9I, the latter being thereby held in open or hung up condition.

When the telephone rings, the vibrations of the bell-box 202 actuate the detector 2I0, energizing the thermal relay 214 in the manner set forth swings it back to normal recording position above through the amplifier 301 and recorded by the I cutter 15 on the blank 92, Meanwhile, the pickup I56 is raised and returned to initial position. At the conclusion-of the message recording period, the main relay 250 drops out, the latch I8I releases to drop the arm I89 and hang up the phone, and the motor I I3 stops after driving the device to initial position ready to receive the next message.

At the conclusion of recording the incoming message the cutter stylus 00 remains in engagement with the record 92, so that the; next incoming message recording tracks directly. from the end of the preceding recording. An ordinary recording blank contains sufficient area to provide fo an ample number of successive messages under usual circumstances. Iflor any reason the messages accumulate until the cutter stylus 80 approaches the inner boundary B of the zone K-B, the latch I02 opens the limit switch H2 in the manner explained in connection with Figure2l.

During automatic operation, the opening of the limit switch II2 does not-break the operat-' ing circuit, since a connection around the switch H2 is provided by wire 256, point 25I and main relay arm 246, Figure 29. At the conclusion of the'cycle, however, when the relay 250 drops out, the current supply from conductor 245 is opened by the relay, and since the limit switch is already open, the main supply remains shut off until the I recorder arm 12 is raised to allow the limit switch I I2 to re-close.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that while the limit switch II2 prevents over-running the permissible recording zone, the parallel connection through the relay 250 prevents interruption of-the last recorded message. Sufiicient reserve space'is provided in the zone Z-B to allow-for completion of any message during which the limit switch is operated.

Play-back When it is desired to reproduce the messages" recorded on the record 92, the operator first removes the hand-set 226 from the housings 22I' and I5I, lifts the recorder arm I2 to'disengage the recor er from the record and also disengage the described reed mechanism, and turns the.

' thedescribecl low-voltage bridging circuit around until after suflicient ringing, as determined by At the close of the answering period, the recorder motor II3 starts, the gong signal sounds, and the relay 289 switches the apparatus from reproducing to recording condition. Thereafter, during the message recording period, Figure 28, any message emanating from the receiver 225 is picked up by the microphone 222, transmitted the detector 2I0 is established betweenarm 231' and contact P1. The arm 239 engages its contact Pa, directing current from the normally charged conductor 251 via wire 250, arm 239, contact P3 and branch 306 to the motor 3, thence via lead 303 to conductor 243. The motor I I3 is thereby started to drive the turn-table 50.

Similarly, the manual switch arm 240 engages its contact P4, directing main supply current from conductor 251 via branch 3L2 and conductor 309 to the amplifier 301, thence via lead 308 to the second supply conductor 243, thus energizing the amplifier. Arms 24| and 242 by engaging contacts P5 and P6, connect. the pick-up I56 and speaker I52 respectively to the input 3| 4 and output 3I3 of the amplifier in the manner previously set forth.

The above described connections energize .the apparatus as a'straight reproducing phonograph. The operator raises the reproducer arm I54 clear of the arm I58, swings it above the record 92 as Straight recording At times it may be desired to utilize the device for straight manually controlled recording, for example for dictation of short letters, dictation of oil'ice instructions and the like. To accomplish this purpose, the operator placesa record blank on the table 50, sets the recorder arm 12 in initial recording position as previously described, and turns the manual switch 232 to R position. The arms 239 and 231, Figure 29, disable the starting and automatic cycle circuits in substantially the same manner as described for play-back, while the arms 239 and .240 by engaging their contacts R: and R4 similarly start the motor 3 and energize the amplifier 301. At the same time, the arms 2M and 242 by engaging their contacts R and Re operate through previously described connections to respectively connect the microphone 222 to the input 3 l4 and the cutter to the output 3! 3 of the amplifier.

The device thus being rendered operative. as a direct recorder, the operator by speaking into the microphone housing 22| may record on' the blank 92 for any length of time within the capacity of the record. In case recording approaches the permissible inner limit of the zone K'B, the limit switch H2 is opened, and since the relay 250 is also open, the machine is deenergized at once;

In some cases only a portion of the. zone KB may have been used for recording, either automatic or manually controlled, and it is desired to utilize the remainder after playing back the already recorded portion. In this case, the operator in disengaging the recorder merely lifts the arm 12 to disengage the feed mechanism, but does not swing the" arm circumferentially. The arm 12 thus remains poised on the latch I02 with the stylus 80 directly above the line of last recording.

After play-back of the recorded portion, when the trigger Hill is again operated to release the latch 12 and lower the arm 12, the stylus 80 automatically re-engages the partially recorded blank exactly at the inner limit or the previous recording All the available space may thus readily be utilized in. a substantially continuous recording band. It is evident that this result is due to the advantageous feed structure of the present invention, wherein feed engagement may be made with any point in the circumference of the iced hub 59, without the difiicultics of at-- tempting to match and mesh feed screws or teeth as in the usual forms of feed structure.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above and other advantages of the described recording and reproducing apparatus make these structures well suited per se to function in various reproducing and recording devices other than the telephone message recorder form- 1 8 part oithe present invention. While these and other features of the invention have. been set forth in preferred form, they are not limited adapted toselectively engage said blanks on 15 scram either or said turn-tables, motor means to drive said-turn-tables, and means independent of the record blanks to'feed said recorder across said blanks to record thereon, common reproducing means adapted to selectively engage said records, and means for raising and lowering said reproducing means to engage and disengage one of said record blanks, said last means being operated by said motor means.

2.111 a recording device, in combination, a vertical swivel, a pair of horizontal turn-tables substantially in a single plane and adapted to hold record blanks, means supporting said swivel and turn-tables, the centers of said turn-tables being at substantiallyequal fixed distances from said swivel, a recorder arm on said swivel and adapted to swing thereabout over both said turn-tables, a cutter supported. in the end of said arm, means to hold said cutter out 01 engagement with said blanks while positioned above the same and to lower said cutter into engagement with said blanks in recording zones on each of said blanks, motor means to drive said turn-tables, means independent oI-the record blanks to feed said cutter across each of said zones in arcs about said swivel, and common reproducing means adapted to selectively engage said records, and means for raising and lowering said reproducing means to engage and disengage one of said record blanks, said last means being operated by said motor means. I

3. Ina recording device, in combination, a plurality of turn-tables in substantially the same plane and adapted to hold record blanks, a common recorder adapted to selectively engage said blanks on each of said turn-tables, motor means to drive said turn-table's, means operated by said matameans to feed said recorder throughout predetermined recording zones on each of said blanks, and common reproducing means adapted to selectively engage said record blanks, and means ior raising and lowering said reproducing means to cngageand disengage one of said record blanks, said last means being operated by said motor means.

4. In a recording device, in combination, a plurality of tum-tables in substantially the same plane and adapted to hold record blanks, a commcn recorder adapted to selectively engage said blanks on each of said tables, motor means to drive said turn-tables, means operated by said motor means to teed said recorder throughout predetermined recording zones on each of said blanks, means to limit engagement of said recorder with said blanks to'said predetermined zones-and common reproducing means adapted to selectively engage said records, and means for raising and lowering said reproducing means to engage and disengage one of said record blanks, said last means being operated by said motor means.

5. In a recording device, in combination, a pluralityjof turn-tables in substantially the same plane and adapted to hold record blanks, a common recorder adapted to en age said blanks on each or said turn-ktables, motor means to drive said turn-tables, means operated by said motor means to feed said recorder throughout recording zones on each of said turn-tables, said feeding means having a Permanent driving connectlonwith one of said turn-tables, and common reproducing means adapted to selectively engage said records.

8. Ina recording device, in combination, aflrst turn-table and a second turn-table in substansaid blanks on each of said tum-tables, motor means to selectively drive said turn-tables, means operated by said motor means to feed said recorder throughout recording zones on each of said turn-tables, said recording means having a permanent driving connection with said first tum-table, and means to hold said recorder out ofengagement with said blank on said second turn-table when said first turn-table is stationary.

7. In a recording device, in combination, a. stationary support, a turn-table shaft journalled in said support, a turn-table on said shaft, a feeding member rotatably mounted on said support and having a circular surface, a recorder arm cooperative with said turn-table, said arm being pivoted to said support in concentric relation with said feeding member, means to operatively engage and disengage said arm with saidfeeding member at any circumferential point of said surface, and speed reducing means below said turn-table and permanently connecting said shaft with said I member.

. 8 In a recording device, in combination, a stationary support, a, turn-table shaft journalled in saidsupport, a tum-table on said shaft, a feeding member rotatably mounted on said support at a fixed distance from said shaft, said member having a circular surface, a recorder 'arm pivoted concentrically with said feeding member and vertically rockable away from said member, means to operatively engage said arm with said feeding member at any circumferential point of said surface, a jack-shaft below said tumtable, a gear on said tum-table shaft, a second gear on said jack-shaft in mesh with said first gear, a worm on said jack-shaft, a worm-gear on said feeding member, and resilient means urging said worm into complete mesh with said wormgear. 9. In a recording device, in combination, a stationary support, a turn-table shaft journalled in said support, a turn-table on said shaft, a feeding member rotatablymounted on said support at a fixed distance from said shaft, said member having a circular surface, a recorder arm pivoted concentrically with said feeding member, means to operatively engage and disengage said arm and said feeding member at any circumferential point 'of said surface, a jack-shaft, a gear on said turnmany hold said fork out of engagement with said hub portion, and means to release said holding means.

12. In a device of the character described, in

combination, a rotary feed hub having a circular' portion, a recorder arm swivelled concentrically with said feed hub, means in-said arm including plungers yieldably mounted to move parallel to the axis of said feeding hub to grip said circular table shaft, a second gear on said jack-shaft in mesh with said first gear, a worm on said jackshaft, a worm-gear on said feeding member, resilient means urging said worm into complete mesh with said worm-gear, resilient means thrusting said jack-shaft longitudinally, and

.nally tapered upper circular portion, arecorder arm swivelledconcentrically with said hub, a fork in said arm and adapted to engage said tapered upper hub portion at any point in the circumference of said portion, means to norzones to permit withdrawal of hub portion at any point in the circumference thereof, means including a latch normally holding said gripping means out of engagement with said circular hub portion, means including a handle connected to. said latch to release said holding means, and means including a guard ring to retain said latch against release throughout predetermined arcs of swing of said swivelled arm.

13. A device as claimed in claim ,12 wherein said ring has a rim extending throughout-said predetermined arcs and adapted to lock said latch in operative engagement with said ring.

14. In a recording device, in combination, a rotary feed member, a vertical swivel, disposed concentrically with said'member, a recorder arm having a cutter in its front end, said arm being horizontally pivoted to said swivel behind the vertical axis thereof whereby said arm may be swung vertically to raise or lower said cutter,

means in said arm including plungers yieldably mounted 'to move parallel to the axis of said rotary feeding member to grip said rotary member when said arm and cutter are lowered, means including a latch operable automatically upon raising said arm to latch said arm in raised position, and manually operable means to release said latching means.

15. In a device of the character described, in combination, a rotary feed member, a vertical swivel disposed concentrically with said member,

a recorder arm having a cutter in its front end,

said arm being horizontally pivoted to said swivel behind the vertical axis thereof whereby said arm may be swung vertically to raise and lower said cutter, means in said arm to grip said feed member when said arm is lowered, a stationary guard ring disposed concentrically around said rotary member and said swivel, said ring having an annular upper surface, a spring-pressed latch in said arm slidably engaging a peripheral surface of said ring when said arm is in lowered position, said latch being adapted to swing above said annular surface when said arm is raised and thereafter to engage said annular surface whereby said arm may beheld in raised position, and manually operable releasing means to withdraw said latch from said annular surface.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said guard ring has a radial groove in said annular surface adapted to be engaged by said latch whereby the horizontal angular position of said swivelled arm may be predetermined prior to release of said latch.

17. A device, as claimed in claim 15 wherein said guard ring has an upwardly extending rim adapted to stop withdrawal of said latch from said annular surface, said rim being cutaway in said latch in predetermined horizontal angular positions of said swivelled arm, and wherein said annular surface has locating grooves adapted to be engaged by said latch in registry with said cut-away zones of said rim.

a 18. In a device of the character described, in combination, a turn-table adapted to hold a 

